Lionel Messi entered Monday’s 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup match between Argentina and Austria with the opportunity to etch his name into the history books and become the sole leader in World Cup goals scored.
He entered the day with 16 goals scored in the legendary event, and it didn’t take long for him to be gifted the chance to record his 17th, with Argentina being awared a penalty shot in the opening minutes of the match.
Shockingly, the nerves seem to have gotten to the Argentine captain, as he sent the shot wide right after taking a stutter step in his buildup.
Messi for the all-time World Cup goal scoring record…
MISSES THE NET pic.twitter.com/fG9iQX9ksY
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 22, 2026
Fans on social media were in disbelief and highly critical of Messi’s failure to meet the moment.
“This is the king of your sport?” one fan posted on X.
“These pk takers trying to be too cute nowadays. Just pick a side and smash the ball. If the keeper makes the save, good on him,” one fan added.
“One of the worst pens I’ve ever seen,” someone else added.
“The idiots who say Ronaldo takes too many penalties, the guy they call the GOAT can’t even hit the goal from a penalty anymore,” another fan posted.
Ultimately, Messi’s greatness was only delayed, noty denied, as he scored his record-breaking 17th World Cup goal in the 38th minute to give Argentina a 1-0 lead.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.